Former England cricketer Ian Bell was one of the most elegant right-hand batsmen who has worn the three Lions’ jersey for 118 times. He has named his all-time XI which has surprised many. In a video posted by the Lord’s Cricket’s Ground’s official YouTube channel, Bell has picked players whom he thinks was best of his generation.
The criteria for the selection was either player has played with him or against him or influenced him.
Bell has picked Alastair Cook and former South African skipper Graeme Smith as his opener while Ricky Ponting, against whom Bell have played the Ashes, will come at No.3. Legendary Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar , who batted at No. 4 while playing for India, is Bell’s choice for No. 4 position.
But the middle order is quite controversial he picked batsman like Kevin Pietersen leaving Rahul Dravid of India, who has played well in English conditions, Brian Lara of West Indies and Mohammad Yusuf of Pakistan and Sri Lankan legend Kumar Sangakkara found his place in Bell’s team as a wicketkeeper-batsman.
Sangakkara is one of the greatest Test batsmen and wicket-keeper so deserve better treatment than that as a wicketkeeper-batsman.
Among the bowlers, Mitchell Johnson was his first choice then Dale Steyn is his second choice and then comes Glen McGrath and James Anderson. Yes, this bowling department can rip apart any bowling attack at any given conditions with the only spinner being legend Shane Warne.
Ian Bell’s All Time XI: